Tailor made tours

The Lake Biwa area boasts a rich variety of fascinating attractions. If our ready-made tours are not your cup of tea, we are keen to tailor tour itineraries and activities to suit your interests and needs. Please let us know the following information through the enquiry form (NOT through the "booking enquiry form") or direct email. We will get back to you with a proposal (It may take several days).

Recommended attractions & activities

Pottery making experience in Shigaraki

Make ceramic ware by your own in Shigaraki, the home of world famous Shigaraki ware. At a local artisan's workshop, you will have an cray-forming experience using a sculpting wheel. If you are a beginner, no need to worry at all, as a friendly pottery master will guide you if you wish! Your masterpieces will be shipped to you in your country in one or two months.

Farm visit and farm stay

If you want to soak completely in Japanese rural life, one of the best way must be to stay overnight at a farmer's house. Around the Lake Biwa area, there are hundreds of lovely families welcoming you to stay. If you do not have ample time, some of them are open their home to you for a short visit, including lunch if you want. (Please note staying and visiting are not free of charge though.)

Snow shovelling experience (seasonal)

Mountainside areas north of the Lake Biwa have heavy snowfalls in winter. Snow shoveling is one of the most common sights in the season, and offer you an opportunity to experience this locals' daily routine. While shoveling, let yourself play with snow; jump into snow, carving a snow statue, or even build a "kamakura" igloo if you are a powerful man!...and finally you will find you have helped locals.

Asamiya tea experiences

Asamiya, a village in a valley known as a production centre of one of the best tea leaves in Japan. Here you are able to have unique tea experiences with a tea master; testing different types of tea and other common drinks, tea leaf picking, milling matcha (powdered green tea)... As tea farming is very seasonal, experiences available vary depending on the season. Please ask us about current availability.

Cycling around Lake Biwa

With magnificent views of the lake, flat roads, peaceful countryside villages, and less traffic, cycling is very popular activity in the Lake Biwa area. While lakeside roads are needless to say good for pedaling, there are numbers of wonderful roads off the lakeshore as well. We are keen to arrange cycling tour itineraries.